MONTEGO BAY, St James — Highlighting that the police recorded 162 fewer murders in Area One — Trelawny, St James, Hanover and Westmoreland — last year when compared to 2024, president of the Jamaica Union of Seventh-day Adventists Glen Samuels says he is puzzled why there is little recognition when cops make gains but public protests whenever they are perceived to overstep.

“I know it can be challenging, particularly when here we are today acknowledging the fact that 162 lives have been reduced from the mounting numbers of the past, but there is nobody in St James with a placard saying, ‘Big up the St James and Westmoreland police’,” argued Samuels.

“There is nobody, and I can’t recall seeing it for days in the media. But I dare say to you that if it is that you had acted unwisely in any manner, there would be placard holders shouting, ‘We want justice’ and ‘Down with the police’. Notwithstanding all of that, you must be satisfied in yourself at the end of each day that you are answerable not just to your commanding officer, but there is a higher voice to which you listen,” added Samuels as he delivered the keynote address at the fifth staging of the Seventh-day Adventist West Jamaica Conference Annual Security Forces and Youth Mentorship Prayer Breakfast in Montego Bay on Sunday.

In his charge to the cops, Samuels urged them to be beyond reproach.

“Whether you’re just joining the force or you are senior members of the rank and file, your integrity must have no price tag. If you can’t lead, follow good leadership of integrity; and if you can’t do any of the two, then in respect for the uniform you wear, I would say maybe it’s time then to step aside. Lead, follow or get out of the way”.

“We cannot build a nation without recognising that meaningful mentorship is a critical part and process of the building of a better nation,” he added.

The church leader also strongly condemned motorists who persist in flashing headlights to warn oncoming drivers of the police’s presence on the roadway.

“One good reason to stop that is that you may be saving your own life. Because the person you allow to escape the law enforcement team may well be the person that, sadly, may be the one to cause the death of your loved ones. It is always easier to pay the fine than to pay the funeral parlour, “ said Samuels.

In his remarks, Acting Commissioner of Police (ACP) Glenford Miller, who heads Area One, pointed to significant crime reduction achievements in the four parishes.

Miller confirmed that murders in Area One declined from 297 in 2024, to 135 last year. He credited the reduction to the dedication of members of the police force, and the support of partners, including the Church.

The senior cop pointed out that last year St James recorded 58 murders, its lowest in more than three decades.

Describing the achievement as historic and a result of collective effort, Miller expressed gratitude to all stakeholders whose collaboration he said made the results possible.

“You the police officers in Area One, who promised to serve and protect the citizens of Area One, you delivered on that promise. Thank you very much for that,” he said.

Delivering his address on behalf of Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake, ACP Calvin Allen pointed out that sustainable public safety cannot be achieved by policing alone.

Allen argued that faith-based institutions play a pivotal role in reinforcing moral values, strengthening families, and supporting vulnerable communities.

He added that the Church continues to offer hope, guidance, and stability where it is most needed.

Allen commended the Seventh-day Adventist Church for its outreach initiatives, pointing to mentorship, counselling, youth engagement, and conflict resolution programmes which he said have helped steer at-risk individuals away from crime.

He emphasised the importance of young people to the nation’s future, assuring them that both the police and community partners are committed to providing guidance, support, and opportunities for success.

Allen also praised the leadership of the Seventh-day Adventist West Jamaica Conference as he said its commitment to service and national development has strengthened efforts to promote peace and security across communities.

Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force based in Area One listen attentively during the fifth staging of the Seventh-day Adventist West Jamaica Conference Annual Security Forces and Youth Mentorship Prayer Breakfast in Montego Bay on Sunday.

President of the Jamaica Union of Seventh-day Adventists Glen Samuels delivering the keynote address at the annual Seventh-day Adventist West Jamaica Conference Annual Security Forces and Youth Mentorship Prayer Breakfast in Montego Bay on Sunday.

Corporal Wayne Wallace is a picture of joy during the fifth staging of the Seventh-day Adventist West Jamaica Conference Annual Security Forces and Youth Mentorship Prayer Breakfast.

Acting Commissioner of Police Calvin Allen bringing greetings at the annual Seventh-day Adventist West Jamaica Conference Annual Security Forces and Youth Mentorship Prayer Breakfast in Montego Bay on Sunday.